Advice about diagnosis needed

[Nell]

Hello:

My name is Nellie, I've been part of this group for a while. I have 2
sons, a 6 year old who has autism, high functioning, and a 21 month
old. When my younger son was 18 months, I got him evaluated because I
noticed some autistic traits. He has sensory issues (hand flapping, no
clapping, bobs his head up and down while walking, doesn't like to
hold things, no self feeding). He also has no language yet (no
talking, no pointing). He has pretty good eye contact most of the time
and is quite related. He's social, laughs, likes to be held. At that
time the neurologist said that she couldn't diagnose him yet, if
ever, because he was too young and she would see him in 3 months.
Well, he's 21 months now and I just came from my follow-up appointment
and she, the neurologist, still feels like he can't be diagnosed
because he seems quite related and because he is not routine oriented.
He is easygoing, different from my older son, he doesn't really
tantrum and is easy to soothe. My question is: do any of your kids
have a diagnosis of PDD-NOS/Aspergers/Autism and are not routine
oriented? are social? mild mannered? The neuroligist is stuck on this
point that he does not have an aversion to change and has pretty good
eye contact so he cannot have any of the dianosis mentioned. I,
however, think that he does have enough autistic characteristics to at
least be PDD-NOS. I am wondering if her definition is too rigid. I
just want to get him the services he needs and I know that the city is
a stickler about giving services to kids who are not diagnosed. Thanks
for hearing me out, any unput is appreciated.

Nellie
New York City

[Lisa Seltenreich]

Yes Nell, my 9
 year old is diagnosed with ASD.  Autism Spectrum Disorder.  She is social, not extremely, more on the level of a shy 3 yr old....but social with her peers, respectful to the teachers, fears loud noises, fears baths on and off, fears dark, etc.  She didnt cling when a child, when i banged pots behind her to check for deafness, she didnt react, she had/has lisps etc.  The list goes on, but each one alone doesnt constitute autism, but they change, one day its the fears, another week its okay to take a bath, etc.  My daughter did have tantrums - but usually they were due to over stimulation, i.e., she was ready to go home and not be in public. 
 
It takes a bit for diagnosis when they are within the spectrum inconsistently.  My daughter is extremely smart in math and extremely low in reading but moderate in comprehension per the IOWA exam.  She fits in a bit and is respectful and so there is no offering of special ed per se thus, she is in regular ed.  My daughter is noise reactive and multiple light reactive.  By the time she gets home from school she is so very exhausted from trying to "blend in" that she comes home and has to be fed immediately before she goes to sleep because she will fall asleep within an hour of arriving home for the night due to the over stimulation.
 
So for a strong diagnosis, and if your child is blending, perhaps dont be alarmed, wait and see - it may be a blessing in disguise.
 
With that said, have Merry Christmas.

Lisa



> Date: Fri, 19 Dec 2008 10:51:34 -0800
> Subject: {The Autism Home Page} Advice about diagnosis needed
> From: nell...@aol.com
> To: the-autism...@googlegroups.com

[SGTHeff]

Nellie,
Yes, it sounds like he has enough symptoms for a diagnosis of PDD-NOS.
I would recommend printing out the 12 Questions at
http://sites.google.com/site/autismhome/Home/basic-training/12-questions
and writing down your answers. Then bring them to your neurologist.
The 12 questions are actually the symptoms of autism that your son's
neurologist will use to diagnose autism. Autism, as you know, is a
collection of symptoms. None are more important than the others. There
are social interaction symptoms, communication symptoms, and behavior
symptoms. Many kids with autism are quite social and not all resist
change. You mention Aspergers - go to this link for the Australian
Scale for Asperger Syndrome: http://www.udel.edu/bkirby/asperger/aspergerscaleAttwood.html
Copy it and complete it and bring it to your doctor. Keep in mind
though - you do not need a diagnosis to begin working with him. I
would treat him as if he has autism - expect him to behave, do not
excuse his behavior, and teach him the skills he needs to master by
using positive reinforcement, as you do your other son. Thankfully,
you have found out early and can make a HUGE difference in his life.
Above all, pray. The Lord will always give wisdom when we lack it.
Blessings,
Gary

[shiningstar87544]

Nellie, get a different doctor. Anyone who knows the signs, and then
REFUSES to diagnose the child is not competent to continue to see ina
professional manner.

My oldest daughter at the age of 3 years Marissa was exceptionally
bright, had none of the 'usual' symptoms of autism. She was up with
her peers in development, but behind in fine motor skills.

My youngest daughter as early as a couple of days after she was born
and even at 1.5 months no eye contact.however had all of the classic
symptoms of autism by the age of six months.

She was way behind her peers in almost every way.

When my youngest daughter was 2.5 years old, I had them evaluated both
by the school district for "Child find", and by their private
physicians..

It was suggested that they be tested as much as two toddlers could be
tested.

The tests showed that both of my children were at the most Autistic,
and at the least PPD.

I had to fight tooth, and nail to see that all of their needs were
met. By the time they were in Kindegarten (after they graduated from
"Child find", they were both diagnosed as being autistic.

In 2006, their diagnoses was updated to Aspergers syndrom.

The point is, no one said to me that my children could NOT BE
DIAGNOSED.

The fact that someone IS saying that to you, disturbs me greatly. I
can only question the 'specialist's' competence in this area, and
again say "Get ANOTHER Opinion".